AUTUMN COLOURS IN JAPAN
1-14 November 2026
Konnichiwa! Experience Japan on this fabulous tour not only visits the famous sights of Japan including Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Mt Fuji and finishes in Tokyo, but is brimful of experiences allowing us to immerse ourselves in the local culture, from traditional tea ceremonies to origami.
I’ve selected autumn for the beautiful colours, plus the very likely chance of seeing snow monkeys in the hot springs.
This tour of Japan is fully inclusive, that means international flights from Auckland return, most meals (we have some free nights at the end of the tour in Tokyo to explore), guides and transfers, plus me – your host who will be looking after you!
A reasonable level of fitness is required, but it’s more about how long you can spend on your feet rather than covering large distances. You’ll be getting on and off coaches and trains, walking around the sights and climbing some steps.
Day 1 & 2 : Arrive Osaka
Fly to the lively, fast-paced city of Osaka! Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure to start soaking up the local culture. The next morning we will have a walking tour to get our bearings and meet our guide, who will be with us for the duration of the trip.
Day 3 : Osaka
Today we join our guide to explore more of this lively city.
Day 4 : Discover Nara
Visit the impressive Osaka Castle before cruising along the Yodogawa River. After lunch, we continue to Nara and enjoy a leisurely walk through Nara Park to Todaiji Temple and admire the traditional Isuien Garden before returning to Osaka.
Day 5 : Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Today we’ll travel by road, about an hour, to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years, this enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan. We’ll start with a visit to Togetsukyo Bridge located in the heart of the vibrant district of Arashiyama and stroll through the bamboo forest with its towering and impressive thickets.
We’ll also visit Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan’s most famous zen garden and the famous ‘Golden Pavilion’ Kinkakuji Temple. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to further explore the city.
Day 6 : Experience Kyoto
We begin the day with a visit to one of Kyoto’s most famous sites – Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its 10,000 vermilion torrii gates and follow a forested hillside pathway passing numerous shrines along the way.
Later, we’ll enjoy the age-old rituals of a tea ceremony with a tea master, and try our hand at origami. After lunch, our immersive experience continues with a fan painting class where you will learn the technique of this highly refined and sought-after visual art. I think we might have to award prizes!
Day 7 : Seach for the Snow Monkeys
Today we’ll travel by bullet train to Nagoya and then journey on the limited express train to Nagano.
Upon arrival, we’ll head to Jigokudani Yaen-Koen and walk through a picturesque, forested valley to the hot pools where we can search for the famous Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) – sighting not guaranteed.
We’ll also visit the 7th-century Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan’s most popular Buddhist temples, before continuing by road to Matsumoto.
Day 8 : Miso & Sake Tasting
Today we begin with a visit to the magnificent 16th-century Matsumoto Castle, also known as ‘Crow Castle’, due to its intense black exterior.
Then we’ll head to a miso house and learn about the process of making this famous Japanese seasoning. After lunch, we’ll visit a sake brewery and enjoy a tipple or two! There will be some free time this afternoon to further explore Matsumoto.
Day 9 : Mount Fuji
Today we travel by road to the Fuji Five Lakes area and ascend by road to the 5th Station to view Mt Fuji (weather permitting). We’ll also enjoy a peaceful cruise on Lake Ashi before taking to the skies on the Komagatake Ropeway to enjoy the breathtaking scenery below.
Continue to Mishima and stay overnight.
Day 10 : Kamakura Grand Buddah
We journey to Kamakura, a popular coastal city located south of Tokyo. We will visit Kotokuin Temple, which houses Japan’s second tallest bronze buddha statue, followed by a stroll through Komachi Street which is lined with pretty little shops before visiting Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Kamakura’s most important shrine.
After lunch, we continue to Tokyo and enjoy a leisurely walk though Hamarikyu Gardens.
Day 11 : Discover Tokyo
We finish this tour with three nights in Tokyo in a 4.5-star hotel.
Today we’ll begin by ascending to the observation deck at the Tokyo Skytree, the world’s tallest tower for panoramic views over the city below.
Then we’ll head to the old district of Asakusa and soak up the atmosphere at Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest and most famous temple, before browsing the stalls on Nakamise shopping street.
After lunch, we’ll explore the Tokyo National Museum to learn about Tokyo’s historical heritage, and end the day with a cruise on the waters of Tokyo Bay and enjoy dinner from the perfect vantage point to admire the supercharged lights of the city.
Days 12 & 13 : Tokyo
We will have two more days in this vibrant city to have some free time, do some more sight-seeing. We might visit the Yayoi Kusama Museum (I’m a bit of a fan of this eclectic lady’s art). Visit the Botanic Gardens for the light show. We have some special ideas in store.
Day 14 : Fly home
Today we say farewell and take our flights home. If you’d like to add on any extra tours or other destinations, that can be arranged. Just let me know at the time you book.
What’s Included:
- International Economy Class Flights to and from Auckland. Upgrades can be arranged at the time of booking. Talk to me about adding on domestic NZ flights if you need those.
- 13 nights accommodation including breakfast in 3-4.5 star hotels.
- Meals as per itinerary (most of them are included).
- Local guide for the duration.
- Transport via coach, trains and planes.
- Entry tickets into attractions as per itinerary.
- Your host Megan Singleton
Whats not included
- Travel insurance (a requirement of this trip).
- Some meals (in Tokyo and during our free time).
- Shopping money!
Costs and Ts & Cs
Cost for single person in own room NZ$14,530
Bring a friend/partner for an extra NZ$9,450 and room share in a double or twin room
Secure your spot now with $1,000 deposit per person.
These deposits are non-refundable after 1 November 2025, so I recommend you buy your travel insurance at the time to ensure you are covered if you need to cancel for any reason. Another $1,600pp is due upon flight bookings, and the full balance is due 3 months before departure (1 August 2026).
Minimum of 14 are required on this tour.
If you’d like to join me on this wonderful tour exploring Japan, drop me an email ([email protected]) for the registration form.
*Arrival date may vary depending on flight schedules. (My plan is to travel via Singapore up to Osaka and direct from Tokyo to Auckland) **Flight schedules will not be published until 12 months out, so these are ideas at this stage.
Land Only : if you are not traveling from New Zealand, you are welcome to join us and make your own flight arrangements, or we can arrange those for you in most cases. Message me for a price and let me know where you’re coming from.
This wonderful tour is being run by Wendy Wu Tours. They have vast knowledge of Japan, work with loads of local guides and also have some hidden gems to show us, that are not yet listed on this itinerary.